Pro Pundits

When is the best time to play the second Wildcard as Double Gameweeks loom large?

When is the right time to play a second Wildcard? Should Fantasy Premier League managers deploy it before or after the next set of Double Gameweeks?

The questions around this particular chip are endless and I can understand why. We are entering a pivotal part of the campaign so it is important to get our strategy correct.

With this article, I talk about the pros and cons of using your Wildcard now versus later in the season as I continue to mull over this decision. I intend on presenting the factors you should consider while making this decision, which should hopefully help you with the same.

Is it time to go all in or should you hold on for a little longer? Let’s discuss that question in more detail.

For me, the serious planning begins in Gameweek 25, as I’m very likely activating my Wildcard with the intention to Bench Boost in Gameweek 26. It is worth pointing out that I have a Free Hit also in my pocket so I don’t need to worry about Blank Gameweek 29 at this point. 

ADVANTAGES TO WILDCARDING NOW

Mitchell benefits from Palace's first clean sheet since Gameweek 1

In an ideal world, I would have liked to Wildcard after using my Bench Boost in Gameweek 26 but there are a few reasons for me pulling the trigger now. Let’s call them the advantages of Wildcarding in Gameweek 25:

  • I have a non-playing goalkeeper and two of my outfielders are Oliver Burke (£4.2m) and Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m). This means that if I want to Bench Boost in Gameweek 26 without using my Wildcard, I need to spend transfers on these three spots. This is a little inconvenient in terms of attacking the doubles in Gameweek 24 and 25 before that, which is where I’d have liked to spend my transfers.
  • I am currently ranked at 1.2 million and, if I need to have a respectable finish to the season, I don’t have enough time to recover it by simply taking hits and trying to get the right team in place. I want to press the Nitro Boost button early and hope that the Wildcard sustains itself for a sufficient period and helps take my season in the right direction. Personally, Wildcarding later in the season might be too late given my rank.
  • Buying extra games for at least 15 players in Gameweek 25 and 26. I currently have just one Leeds United and zero Southampton players. I am hoping that I am buying at least 15 extra games for my squad by playing my Wildcard.
  • I could potentially have two Burnley players in Double Gameweek 24 and I don’t necessarily want to carry them in Gameweek 26 as their potential Double at that point does not look very attractive. One of the advantages of Wildcarding in Gameweek 25 is I can get rid of my Clarets without any fuss.

If I had a decent bench right now, I would have considered Wildcarding in Gameweek 24, 25 or 26. There are advantages to pulling the trigger on a new squad after the Bench Boost…

WILDCARDING AFTER MY BENCH BOOST

harry kane fpl injury return spurs west brom gameweek 23

First up, the distribution of funds is correct. Once we have the Bench Boost chip out of the way, we do not need to have a second playing goalkeeper and can also afford to have a bottom-price 14th outfielder. This helps us compress funds and spend more on the pitch rather than distributing the money through the squads. 

Also, on this note, I am anticipating that it might be fairly difficult to build a good Bench Boost team in Gameweek 26 because we could have Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all having Double Gameweeks. 

Yes, the budget midfielders and forwards are making life easier right now but Harry Kane (£11.0m) has returned and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) is already back on the training pitch. It might be very difficult own a lot of these big hitters and have a balanced squad all at the same time. 

If you are not Bench Boosting in Gameweek 26, it is possible to have a more appropriate distribution of funds which might allow an additional big hitter or two.

WILDCARD PERSPECTIVE

Signing Cancelo a week before fixture swing can give FPL owners the edge

A big worry I have right now is being guilty of short-sightedness. If I Wildcard in Gameweek 25 looking at the Double Gameweek players, I worry about building a new team that is too heavily focused on the doubles and the Bench Boost. 

This is a real concern and we definitely need to pay attention to the fixtures after the next Double Gameweeks when putting together a new squad for the rest of the campaign.

It is very important to not have a blindspot just for the Double Gameweeks and build a mid-term team with good fixtures in the future. 

This is one of the advantages of Wildcarding after Gameweek 26 as there will be a balanced focus towards the good players and teams rather than just the Double Gameweek players.

Being able to assess the impact of European football returning is also a big advantage in terms of Wildcarding later. There are Champions League and Europa League games coming for a lot of important Premier League clubs and I am wondering whether we spot certain trends in the European games which might help our Fantasy squads… and a later Wildcard.

Something as simple as Pep Guardiola preferring certain centre-backs in Europe to others in the league could potentially impact which players we choose for a Wildcard or Bench Boost squad.

THE RIGHT MOTIVATION

Blades defence finally records clean sheet as Wilson blanks again 4

Another factor I worry about is motivation and certain teams visiting the beach way sooner than expected. In my opinion, the league is most certainly going to be won by Manchester City and we could have a season where the relegation race might be decided a lot earlier than normal. Again, this could lead to certain team selection and form trends which might be more visible a little later in the season. 

One thing that you could do to safeguard yourself against this is that the race for the top four as well as European places looks like it could go deep into the season. Teams vying for these spots will continue to be motivated right until the end of the season and it might be worth investing in them if Wildcarding early. 

THE FREE HIT

One of the reasons I’m not worried about the Wildcard in Gameweek 25 and Bench Boost in Gameweek 26 is that I don’t need to consider the Blanks in Gameweek 29 at all (because I have a Free Hit Chip still to use). 

This might not be the case for a lot of managers who might need to keep an eye on the Gameweek 29 fixtures and maintain a balance between them and Double Gameweekers in Gameweek 26. This is why a lot of managers are considering a Bench Boost even in Gameweek 24 and then Wildcarding in Gameweek 26 where the bench is focused towards those playing in Gameweek 29. 

An alternate option is to dead-end into Gameweek 29 by focusing transfers between Gameweek 26 and 29 towards the Blank Gameweeks and eventually use the Wildcard chip in Gameweek 30 with a focused view on the last eight fixtures where the factors state above can be taken advantage of.  

One thing I want to mention, if you have already used your Wildcard or if you are playing your Wildcard after the Double Gameweeks, is do not take a lot of hits and maximise on all the Double Gameweeks. 

That might not be possible, I appreciate. You will need to pick and choose the Double Gameweek fixtures you want to attack and compromising on one might mean being able to jump in on another. 

For example, Burnley are not a team renowned for their attack and it might even be a good idea to jump on a Danny Ings (£8.4m) who has a decent looking fixture against Wolves in Gameweek 24 before his Double Gameweek in 25. 

Point being, you need to pick the teams and Doubles you want to target if you’re keeping the Wildcard in the pocket for later. I particularly mention Ings here because, to me, he looked really sharp against Newcastle and got a lot of shots off which hasn’t been the case with him normally. 

A lot of the Southampton first-team players are coming back as well which makes investment in them a lot more attractive.

When it comes to the Chip Strategy and use of the second Wildcard, a lot depends on your own team and how the fixtures look in Gameweek 26 and onwards once the FA Cup results are in. 

I am writing this article before all the latest FA cup games have been played and I’m patiently waiting for the chips to fall into place.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as I tried loud thinking and noting all the factors you should consider before deploying your chips. Do let me know in the comments section how you find this article and if I missed out on any factors I should consider. If you want to know more, we will be recording the next episode of The FPL Wire on Thursday evening. 

767 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hoping for Southampton and Chelsea wins tonight in the FA Cup

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That would be great for those of us who dont have FH.

      AVL vs TOT will move to GW29.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        What needs to happen for saints to have a double in 26?

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Depends on the broadcasters and what happens tonight.

          MCI vs SOU could be rescduled to GW26 but Crellin thinks MCI vs WOL will go in 26 and MCI vs SOU will go in 27.
          Saints have to win tonight to have a better chance of a DGW26.

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Ohk thnx mate

      2. Kabayan
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Will be great doe those of us who have FH. I might need FH in gw33

  2. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The bench boost chip is such a trap by the way. You can easily end up losing more points from planning for it than you gain by playing it

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Completely agree with this. I really dont want my BB to dictate my 2nd WC!

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes it is.

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      People WCing purely for the sake of a BB are quite silly

    4. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Agree, never worked for me. This year binned Martinez for Meslier and other decisions planning for it. Got a measly 8 points. Might use gw 1 next year.

    5. Kabayan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think I'll play BB when all my squad available and have nice fixtures. At this rate, i don't care if it dgw or not.

      1. Boly Would
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Best way in my opinion, not over complicating things.

    6. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I totally agree with this. I'm afraid I'll lose the points I gain from GW26 BB in the difference in points between a GW25 WC and a GW26 WC within 1 or 2 gameweeks

    7. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Completely agree. I'm almost certainly bench boosting this week (with Mendy, Coufal, Son, Bamford), as I want to save my WC for GW27 or GW30 (ie. planning for BGW29 or clearing up after it).

      Feels even more complicated than usual this year!

    8. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      this is the best statement I have ever heard about the BB chip. I am building my team for BB26, brought in Pope last week as a second keeper and bench Martinez, already on -7 and now he is yellow flagged! If it was only for DGW24, i would get one of Mee/Tarko.

    9. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      True. I brought in Pope recently. Benched Emi and cost me 7 points already.

    10. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely

  3. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all can I have some suggestions please! 1ft 4.6itb and all chips remaining

    Martinez
    Stones coufal rudiger lowton
    Salah sterling(c) Bruno son
    Antonio bamford

    Forster soucek Mitchell davis

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Everything is so chip dependent, it's worth outlining your preferred strategy. My inclination for you is to WC25 (as you only have 1 Leeds/Sou player), and use your FT this week to get in Gundogan/Cancelo.

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        And BB when sorry?

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          DGW26

          1. Rhodes your boat
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks appreciate the help!

    2. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      WC25 into BB26, FH29 and TC whenever

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks 🙂 feels much harder this year to decide!

    3. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe go Martinez to Pope this week, or Mitchell to Mee and bench Son

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Disagree on this. He's only got 2 City players. If he's WC GW25, I'd suggest Soucek>Gundo and bench Coufal.

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          TBH, I'd do it anyway, even if not WC-ing in 25

        2. mcsteely
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Good point. This is better.

  4. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Current squad, 2 fts and 3.7m itb. Any thoughts on what I do here guys????..

    McCarthy Pope
    Stones Justin Coufal Targett Taylor
    Salah Son Bruno Gundogan Saka
    DCL Antonio Bamford

    1. Davros
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wait for news on injuries from the Friday pressers

  5. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm considering this draft for a WC24. Would go in to DGW26 with 2FT, and hopefully BB. No FH for 29. I'd appreciate any thoughts guys!

    Martinez Areola
    Digne Dias Mee Lowton Shaw
    Bruno Sterling Gundo Son Raphinha
    Richarlison Ings Bamford

    1.7itb

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks fine. I don't love the Richarlison and Sterling picks, but at least the latter can become KDB. What's your plan for getting Kane?

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, I'm not fully sold on the idea, but I do think there's merit in attacking dgw24/25/26 whilst considering bgw29, as opposed to a gw25wc focused mainly on a gw26 bb. I currently have no leeds/sou. Plenty of ways to get Kane in, would obvs take two transfers but will see how the fixtures fall.

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          What's your current team?

          1. Ozzy smith
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Team is linked mate, no transfers made.

  6. Zanainem
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have all my chips left..

    How about using TC this week? Maybe gundogab?

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on your team, but I prefer BB this week. Still a small rotation risk with Gundogan and he's still playing CM (admittedly getting in the box a lot).

      1. Zanainem
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I cant BB this week. My bench is not good with kilman, Michell and 4.0 Keeper and used 2tfs and now Justin and LCC are injuried

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Personally I'd wait on TC, as I think we'll get random DGWs here and there for the rest of the season, but no right or wrong answer.

  7. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Digne is yellow too?????

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Jaundice apparently.

  8. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi....I have a front line of dcl antonio watkins

    Who should I prioritise replacing dcl with? Defo need Bamford for 25 and want kane for 26

    A....just get Bamford now
    B...richarlison
    C....ings
    D...kane

    It's an extra transfer to get B,C or D....thanks

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Davros
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Based on what you have said, A

    3. Davros
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is DCL definitely out though

    4. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If DCL is out, A or C. Probably A.

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Definitely A if C is an extra FT.

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks all

          From what I have seen Duncan Fergus suggested dcl had a hamstring issue

  9. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Foden anyone? Should play up top against Spurs after a rest in the FA Cup and will feature against Everton at Goodison as well. More points per minute than any City asset in the game and looked ridiculously good against Liverpool. Gundogan may be forced into a deeper role with the potential injury to Rodri and fair chance the young British talent steals thee next pen off the German who missed the target completely with his last effort against the Reds. Interest is spiked!

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He’s tempting me but I think I’m going to get Stering instead

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        And captain? Whomever I bring in will get the armband; Foden, Sterling or Gundo

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have him and might sell him this week. Got him for DGW24, had 4 blanks, 1 no-show in 5 games so benched him for his only returns v Liverpool.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Terrible idea

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Well i don't have Gundo, who feels like the safer option (if we know he's not playing deep). I have Dias, Sterling, and Foden and, i can assure you, there's nothing worse than sweating over the teamsheet every time, or having him hooked at 50 minutes, or hoping he ends up not coming on at all. He's a complete minefield.

          Call it a terrible idea but i'm telling you my personal experience is that he's a misery to own, and have provided evidence.

    3. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have injured Zaha (+ DCL and Wilson) so easiest way to get third city player is to downgrade Zaha to Foden so definitely considering it. Not sure though if he will get penalty duties. Mahrez and Sterling has taken them too - with poor record though - but they still get new chance over and over again so I would not be surprised if Sterling would take the next one if KDB and Aguero are still sidelined. Rotation always a worry.

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      When do city have another dgw?
      Are you planning to keep whichever player for that as well or happy to use transfer to change. Something to think about

  10. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like Justin will be good to go after last night...any thoughts on DCL?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      How does it look like that?

      1. BobB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rodgers has said Justin is fine.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No he hasn’t?

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good to go with a torn ACL? Don’t think so

      1. BobB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Where have you got the torn ACL from? FPL rating him "75%" to play next game - early days admittedly

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          And you trust FPLs flagging system? 😆

          1. BobB
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            More than I trust people assuming the worst based on no evidence

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              People on here know more than the FPL flaggers.

              It's still too early. We don't know.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is Justin?

      https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1359781069847945217?s=19

      A pop in the knee is often (not always) an indication of a ligament issue. I can back this up from personal experience of doing my MCL/PCL.

  11. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The DCL injury doesn't change anything for me. I have him, I wasn't building around his presence or absence in my front line, so there's that... I have a FT remaining, and I was going to roll it. Now, it'll be DCL to Reid, and that gets me to Kane. That'll be for GW26 I think... West Ham have loved wrecking Spurs in the past, and in current form West Ham at home should be favourites, and Reid vs the Blades is more appealing. Am I wrong? On the right path? Thoughts? Questions?

    1. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bobby Decordova-Reid?

      Good for 4 points in a DGW.

      1. CroatianHammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Versus the 0 from DCL? Yeah, top shelf insight there. Move over Shearer.

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Looks like you've got it all sorted then.

        2. Mweene
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You asked for our thoughts and I gave you mine.

          1. CroatianHammer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Fair enough, it was definitely an opinion; if I were to look up opinion in the dictionary then what you wrote would meet that description. But it was also incredibly snide, and not in the least bit helpful. My team is linked to view, but I suppose that was a step too far? Back to the bants factory mate.

            1. Mweene
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              I wasn't being sarcastic or snide.

              Based on his returns and Fulham's lack of goals, 4 points is the most likely outcome for him.

              Watkins would be my 1st choice behind Kane and Bamford right now.

            2. Black Knights
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Why wasn't it helpful? He's clearly told you that he doesn't expect BDR to get returns. Why should he have to look at your team? Why should he have to justify his response? Why should he elaborate beyond calling it a bad idea?

              You'll end up getting no responses in future, which it sounds like you'd prefer if this is how you're going to take feedback.

      2. A. PRISE
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A solid 4 pointer though

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on the rest of your team and chip strategy, but I'd be looking to move DCL to a different striker than Reid (probably Ings if you're going to turn him into Kane in GW26). TBH, I'd rather bench DCL and roll the FT.

      1. CroatianHammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Good points, and I'll get a chance to see Ings later hopefully.

    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cavani vs West Brom

  12. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Could use some feedback, Good idea?

    GW24: Stones, Soucek, Alioski -> Mee, Gundogan, Dallas (-4)
    GW25: Sterling -> Son (to been see next week)

    The current team:

    Martinez
    Shaw, Dias, Stones, Coufal, Alioski
    Grealish, Salah, Bruno, sterling, Soucek
    Watkins, Antonio, Bamford
    2ft's

    1. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      When are you getting Kane?

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Next week if I don't get Son in?

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Removing Stones for a hit makes little sense to me

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Sure I get that but got to see the bigger picture I guess. Dallas will come in eventually and for a hit. If it is not this week it will be next week.

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          What’s wrong with Alioski though? Don’t really think that’s worth a transfer either as Alioski is quite attacking and cheap.

          I’d be removing Soucek Antonio Coufal first as they don’t have a DGW

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      With Dias and Stones rested in the cup game and Gundo potentially playing the sitting role if Rodri is out, I wouldn't take the hit. Keep the City players that you already have.

    4. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Seems like a bit of a waste of 2FT if I'm being honest. Very sideways moves.

    5. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks for the information will do something else than but what..

  13. Gharvey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Half my team injury flagged. This could be disastrous

  14. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Looking for suggestions if Digne, Antonio and DCL are out for DGW24.

    A. Use the bench to cover injuries
    B. Johnstone to Pope and DCL to Rich
    C. A + Stones and Soucek to Lowton and Sterling (2FTs)

    2FT 6.7itb
    Johnstone*
    Cancelo Stones Digne*
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha
    Bamford Antonio* DCL*
    (Martinez Soucek Cresswell Holding)

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A or C, depending on injury news.

  15. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rodrigo and Fernandinho potentially sidelined for the double clearly has an incidence on Gundogan's (C) appeal don't you think?

    He'll probably sit deeper or maybe Pep can play Stones there and put Laporte at CB ?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No chance Stones goes there, will likely be Cancelo and Gundo in midfield

    2. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Never underestimate Pep. He might play Stones there, or Cancelo. Gundo was never a defensive monster anyway

    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Very possible Pep plays him deeper. Could be Zinchenko alongside him

    4. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. If we get confirmation that both Rodri and Dinho are out I'll captain Cancelo instead or think about buying Foden/Sterling.

      1. A. PRISE
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This. Cancelo seems more appealing now

        1. jomikijiq
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I think Sterling/Foden would be better captains than Cancelo if Gundo plays DM, but getting either of them would require selling Dias so I don't think I'll do it.

    5. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      With the positive impact Gundo has when playing closer to the opposition goal, I don't think Pep will want to change that. Cancelo playing in there makes sense with Walker RB but I think Pep likes Cancelo starting at RB and moving into the CM space when City have the ball.

    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not only Rodri/Fernandinho potential absence - but also Jesus potential presence

  16. Dichio24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez, McCarthy
    Lowton, Dias, Dallas, Digne, X
    Raphinha, Fernandes, Gundogan, Son, X
    Kane, Bamford, X

    Bamford to Watkins GW26

    Playing around with my GW25 wildcard. A or B?
    Have BB and FH left

    A: Targett, Sterling, Richarlison/DCL (0.3 ITB)
    B: Cancelo, Grealish, Vardy (1,3 ITB)

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  17. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    % of Chillwell starting? Or do we think Alonso is first choice now?

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      45% I think. Did you watch Tuchel's first game in charge vs Wolves? Chilwell was utterly appalling including a bad missed chance + YC.

      Then Alonso comes in & scores, then helps keep CS at Spurs. I think he's edged ahead.

      1. ludaslol
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I think Alonso is first choice also. Think I'll need to get rid. Didn't watch first game but heard he was shite

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think he starts Chilwell in the cup game and Alonso in the league

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This

  18. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    what an absolute shambles for fpl this week has been!

    Currently playing Coufal ahead of Son with Chilwell sat as placeholder for Ben Mee / Lowton.

    Everything that's happened this week has subverted all that. Dias out = Son a better option & WHam defence injuries mean Coufal is worse... and Pope injury worries = leave Burnley aloooone?!

    Oh, and DCL's in my side!

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      When I say "Dias out"... that comes with an implied questionmark of course... !

  19. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Assuming Dias is fit, who would you captain? Only 2 I’m considering this Gw...

    A. Cancelo
    D. Dias

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got to be Cancelo

    3. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  20. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with Antonio? Moyes wasn't all that helpful.

    I have Dallas and Son on the bench currently, so could play them. Or get Mee in and play him?

    1. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldnt bench Son regardless

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Would have to bench one of Watkins or Grealish for that

    2. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends - if you have 2FT I would get Mee, if 1FT I wouldn’t

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why do you say that? My bench is generally decent enough to cope with injures

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Unlikely to get any updates before deadline given they play later in the week
      Compounded with DCL and we have a dilemma

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I was going to do Antonio > DCL so can rule that out at least

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          True. My forward line is Antonio DCL Rodrigo!
          Plan was to play Antonio of course then switch to Bamford next week

  21. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What would you do here with 2FT?

    (2FT, 3.1 itb)

    Martinez
    Cancelo/Dias*/Digne*/Mee
    Salah/Bruno/Son/Gundo
    DCL*/Antonio*

    Bench: Messlier, Bamford, Soucek, Dallas

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Where are you bench boosting? Maybe go Martinez to Pope to strengthen for this week and DG26

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm, maybe BB26. Bought Martinez at 4.6 so not sure

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bench Digne play Soucek if he’s injured (or move to AWB)
      Move out one of DCL Antonio or just play Leeds assets

  22. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Mee Stones Dias Coufal
    Gundo Bruno Grealish Salah
    DCL Antonio

    Mccarthy Adams Maddison Allioski

    1ft 3.3 itb - Currently on this with all these injury worries now:-

    A) Roll- Bench Strong enough
    B) DCL > Bamford who i want for DGW25
    C) Any other idea's helpful

  23. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rodri doesn't sound too bad but in this topsy-turvy season the uncertainty continues...

    https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-injury-latest-tottenham-rodri-ruben-dias-fernandinho-pep-guardiola-b919380.html

    1. turd ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Who has rodri?

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Narrow mind?

        1. turd ferguson
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          What

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        His absence, especially if Dinho's out too, impacts on the CS potential of the defence.

        1. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Plus Gundo CDM?

    2. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The Dias comments are from yesterday I assume.

  24. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can't help thinking these articles and all our planning has been thrown out the window by the latest batch of injuries. I'm basically hiding behind the sofa until Saturday morning and then seeing how many of my players are still standing.

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      likewise. i've let go of team value worries this year really so i'm sat on my hands until last gasp. Who knows, GW26 fixture announcements could even come late Friday so it's worth waiting for as much info as poss.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good strategy!

  25. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    All the people who were strongly advocating BB in 24, what's the plan now with all these injuries?

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't BB, presumably.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't bench boost. I'll save it for later. Slightly peeved as I hate planning a bench boost, but I was able to get a good one out without wrecking my team.

      On the plus side, if DCL is out, it does help me with a benching headache.

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BB26 was always the better choice if not used in 19

    4. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bit gutted, but I'll wait and see. Switching to BB26 is pretty straightforward, I just wanted to get it out the way!

  26. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What the hell am I meant to do with this apart from quit?

    Pope*
    Dias* Cancelo digne*
    Gundo Salah Bruno Barnes
    DCL* Watkins Antonio*

    *= injured/not playing

    Pointless game

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's all part of the game, some people keep a strong bench for times like this

      1. turd ferguson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeh my bench is strong but they’re both injured. Just a farce

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pointless if you do not have a strong bench. Three good players on the bench + 1 FT solves this easily.

      1. turd ferguson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Son (mic) and Justin (injured) don’t cut it

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Son should be fine. I am playing him too. Justin definitely out?

  27. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should I

    A) post team selection today

    Or

    B) wait for Friday evening when we may have a clearer picture?

  28. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Well, I think it's fair to say I chose the wrong week to do my transfers early for a change.

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Which transfers did you make

  29. Mogger11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know why Digne is flagged? Can’t find anything on the web. Ta

  30. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Everything but a FH left to use. 1 FT this week.
    Following the dramas of injuries im at a total loss what do now..... would you consider WC now?

    Martiniez
    Dias Stones Coufal Maguire
    Sterling Bruno Grealish Salah
    Antonio DCL

    Bamford, Mitchel, Bissouma